Overcome Anger by God

After hearing preaching on the Commandment, “Do Not Kill”, everyone is prompted to reflect more as we come to know the deeper meaning of this Commandment – we should overcome our anger in our socializing with others. We should even go extra distance to imitate Jesus: deny ourselves and love others.

One of my disciples Eben has reflected: though he never killed anyone, he would pull a long face at home from time to time. He has his own mind. If contradicted by his wife or children, he would be upset. Though he tried to compose himself, his coldness and silence brought the family atmosphere to freezing point.

In fact, the Commandment, “Do Not Kill” mentioned in the Old Testament, has called for a higher standard in the New Testament – we are not to be angry at brothers, not to judge and not to pull a long face. It is hard to meet the standard. Whenever we want to criticize or complain against others, our interpersonal relationship suffers, harming us and our families as well as displeasing God. When we have anger inside us, we are no longer abiding in God. Rather, we are dwelling in death.

As soon as I became a Christian, I neither scold people nor speak evil because God wants me to love others. However, during our early marriage, I tended to be passive-aggressive. Whenever C-Mo and I disagreed, I would hit myself or the wall. I was merely suppressing myself while still in resentment. Now I have overcome it gradually by God as I believe that God reigns in everything.

As Lord Jesus has told us to love our enemies, He will certainly give us sufficient grace and will do justice for us. When we believe that God is in everything, no matter how people treat us, we can let go and trust God. In the past our church had faced numerous attacks and rumours, I refused to talk back as God had been looking after us and blessing us continuously.

Surely when we are bullied by others, we should not keep retreating. For instance, a sister got hit while driving, and the other party was in the wrong. She should not apologize. Instead, she should let the police deal with it. The same is true in the marketplace. Do not thank those who bully us. We can still express our feelings without quarrelling.

Dear brothers and sisters, when we know God’s will and willingly respond with corresponding actions, He will see our submission and faith and will surely lead us and protect our way ahead. Let us trust God and overcome anger by Him and love each other!■【2022.08.07】